---
title: "Four Findings: Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/four-findings-arsenal-0-0-liverpool/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Fred Haas"
section: "Articles"
published: "2015-08-25T09:03:13Z"
modified: "2015-08-25T10:43:46Z"
---

# Four Findings: Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Heading to the Emirates on Monday evening with six points after two games, Liverpool’s arrival added pressure to an Arsenal side that had been embarrassed in their previous home fixture. The Reds found fluency in the first half but could not capitalise and settled for an unlikely 0-0 draw.

With technique and pace, this match featured considerably wide open play and a host of chances. Yet neither side could put the other away and Liverpool took one point while probably deserving three. Despite another fortunate offside call that went the Merseysiders’ way, the final result could have looked very differently in Liverpool’s favour.

The Reds created a number of chances in the first 45 minutes, including a mesmerising effort from Philippe Coutinho. Late in the first half, the Brazilian drove into the left side of the penalty box, double feinted Héctor Bellerín, corkscrewing the defender into the turf, before smashing a shot across the face of goal, only to be denied by the fingertips of Petr Cech and then the post. It was without question the save of the season so far, and encapsulated the Czech’s superb return to form, saving the Gunners.

Here are four findings from the match.

![Julian Finney/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readliverpoolfc.com/readliverpoolfc/2015/08/485132852.jpg)

**Performance Progress**

After two matches where Liverpool looked decidedly out of sync, this match opened with attacking intent. Liverpool immediately jumped on Arsenal and Coutinho nearly scored in the third minute, but blasted his shot off the crossbar.

While the Gunners settled and Aaron Ramsey’s ninth minute goal was dubiously called offside, Liverpool aggressively pressed without the ball, forcing errors and attacking with a genuine threat. Wave after wave of Reds counter attacks on the break characterised the first half with Coutinho pulling the strings.

Industrious performances from James Milner, Roberto Firmino, and Christian Benteke showcased a repertoire of attacking menace. Milner’s work rate and driving runs, Firmino’s creative unpredictability, and Benteke’s ability to play through the air or on the ground all added opportunities, as well as providing targets for Coutinho.

It all made for a heady return to the dynamic, flowing, attacking style that characterises Liverpool Football Club at its best. Only the finish was missing. Although an exceptional performance from Arsenal’s key summer signing, Cech, proved a major obstacle too.

![Clive Mason/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readliverpoolfc.com/readliverpoolfc/2015/08/4851276101.jpg)

**Coutinho Keeps Climbing**

The midfield magician continues to be central to Liverpool’s attack. Currently, he is the hub of nearly all danger created by the Reds. Whether it is on the left, right, or centrally; the Brazilian shakes, shimmies, and shoots with increasing ferocity. On a pitch that boasted no shortage of world class talent in midfield, Coutinho’s star shined the brightest.

To think Dunga left him out of the Brazilian side for this international break.

Despite striking a supporting role since arriving on Merseyside, his development makes him poised to be Liverpool’s unequivocal new talisman. After rescuing the side in the opener, his finishing was far more unlucky in London. Considering his lack of a true pre-season, his finishing looks like improving, as he continuously gets himself into scoring positions.

Additionally, Coutinho’s relationship with Benteke continues to grow, and the addition of Firmino provides an outlet and partnership of enormous possibility. It is hard not to wonder what Daniel Sturridge’s long-awaited return might yield for Liverpool’s newly anointed lucky charm.

![Clive Mason/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readliverpoolfc.com/readliverpoolfc/2015/08/4851332161.jpg)

**Second Half Security**

For as much as Liverpool had Arsenal on the ropes in the first half, the Reds headed into the break unable to deliver a knock-out blow. The interval more than interrupted Liverpool’s attack. With Arsenal given a chance to regroup and restart, they forced tactical change.

While Liverpool were content to concede possession in the first half, their intense pressing caused havoc. After the break, the Reds dropped deeper, defending with more compactness, and yielded the ball even more. As threatening as they were in the first half, they were equally conservative in the second.

With the Gunners resurgent, the Reds’ defence laid their strongest claim yet toward earning some of the accolades they have recently received. Joe Gomez shined again, as did fellow full-back Nathaniel Clyne, repelling repeated threats from the swarm of clever, quick Arsenal midfielders, trying to pull them out of shape. Emerging partners Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren remained firm in the middle, albeit creating a few moments of panic.

However, apart from a couple of late decisions, Simon Mignolet showed all the confidence and critical saves that have distinguished his play since his return to the fold last season. The Belgian refused to be completely upstaged by his counterpart. It was another clean sheet, but one that seemed far more earned than the previous two.

![Clive Mason/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readliverpoolfc.com/readliverpoolfc/2015/08/4851365463.jpg)

**Shabby Substitutions**

Considering the injuries that forced changes, the first half suggested that manager Brendan Rodgers was making all the right moves. The team performed their best yet. Starting Firmino gave the Reds a new wrinkle going forward, and pairing Lucas Leiva with Emre Can ruggedly strengthened the center of the side.

As Liverpool receded increasingly into a defensive shell and Firmino’s fitness began to wane, Rodgers opted for Jordon Ibe. On the surface, adding width and pace seemed sensible, yet Ibe never found his way into the match. Positionally, he was neither inside or out, and his youth undermined his decision making.

Similarly ineffective, Jordan Rossiter for Lucas provided energy but little else, almost ensuring a weakened counter-attacking threat. The teenager did not play poorly but simply was not a factor.

Lastly, after an auspicious cameo appearance last week, Alberto Moreno lacked the time to find a foothold. His one marauding run forward saw him miss both Benteke’s channel run and Ibe’s square one, before faltering in an ill-advised solo effort.